- Stanhope truck wins Legends of the Long Run.
- Isuzu FTR 800 covered 2.27 million km.
- 22 years of service, 23 entries received.
- Factory refurbishment starts November 2026.
- Handover expected February or March 2027.
Stanhope Boot & Shoe Manufacturers’ Isuzu FTR 800, known to its drivers as “the old one”, has won Isuzu Motors South Africa’s Legends of the Long Run competition after covering 2.27 million kilometres over 22 years of service. It was chosen from 23 entries received while the competition ran from June to the end of August 2026.
Isuzu FTR 800 service history
The judging panel singled out the truck for its mileage and the fact that it is still working. Over two decades it has supported Stanhope’s footwear distribution, including long-distance runs between South Africa and Maputsoe in Lesotho. These days it is used mainly for shorter trips, backed by a longstanding relationship with Isuzu and its dealer network.
Founded in Johannesburg in 1950, Stanhope supplies major retail groups and customers across South Africa and serves regional markets. The footwear maker relocated to Pinetown in 1970 and moved its complete manufacturing operation to Lesotho in 2004.
What the owners and Isuzu said
Rudy le Roux, Chief Operating Officer of Stanhope, said the win would give “the old one” a new lease on life, “with the hope of adding at least another million kilometres to the clock”. He described it as an endorsement of the company’s drivers and the effort they put into looking after the vehicle.
Mpho Nkhumeleni, Department Executive: Commercial Vehicle Sales at Isuzu Motors South Africa, said covering 2.27 million kilometres over 22 years reflected “not only the truck’s longevity but also the commitment of the people who have maintained and operated it”.
Refurbishment in Gqeberha and display plans
As its prize, the FTR 800 will be refurbished at Isuzu Motors South Africa’s factory in Gqeberha, with work starting in November 2026. Completion is projected for February or March 2027, after which Stanhope will collect the truck at a handover at the factory. The company will also receive an exclusive Isuzu gift hamper.
Before that, the truck is set to be displayed at the upcoming Isuzu Mobility Experience at the Red Star Raceway in Mpumalanga, the event that will launch the new-generation Isuzu N-Series in South Africa.
Supplied by MotorPress (Iviwe Poti, Senior Manager: Strategic Communications, Isuzu Motors South Africa)
This story is based on aggregated news, press release(s) or other sources and was prepared with the help of AI tools, which can make mistakes. Prices, specifications, general information and availability may change, so confirm the details with the manufacturer, other news sources or a dealer.
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